Best Rugby Betting Sites Ireland 2024 – Free Bets and Offers
Rugby is a thrilling sport that captivates fans around the world with its physicality, strategic gameplay, and passionate atmosphere. This makes it great for bettors to gamble on.
Here is everything you need to know about rugby betting in Ireland.
Best Rugby Betting Sites for 2024:
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Claim a €30 New Customer Free bet
New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get €30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.
New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get €30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.
KQC: 18+. Play safe. New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.
There's plenty of less prolific sports too, so you can check out markets in athletics, chess, futsal and more. Esports have a good showing here, with over 300 markets at time of writing. If you're a fan you're going to want to check that out.
Having been in operation for 7 years now, Kwiff Sports has been getting a lot of praise and positive attention over the years, for all of the right reasons, including the fact that you could get your odds ‘Kwiffed’.
New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of €10. Qualifying real money bet of €10. Min odds greater than or equal to 1.5 required. E/W bets excluded. Offer awarded immediately but could be issued the next working day in exceptional circumstances such as technical fault. Additional T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly
T&Cs Apply A minimum deposit of €20 is required to activate the offer.The deposit amount must be wagered with minimum odds of 4/5 (1.80) to claim the €10 Free Bet and subsequent 4 Free Bets.Winnings from Free Bets paid out in Cash, no wagering.
As you'd expect, you're going to get some very competitive odds here. The best ones are on the most popular sports, such as football and horse racing. Even on the more niche sports you're going to get some good odds though, so you'll see that you're in the right place when you want the best prices.
18+, IRE & UK only, Inital €5 Free Bet must be placed within 14 days of account opening to get 4x €5 free bets, available for selected markets only, see their website for full T&Cs.
Wondering what you should be looking out for when finding the right rugby betting site for you? Here are the features we consider to make a good rugby betting site in Ireland:
Security
As always, the best sites will be licenced to operate. You can find this in their terms and conditions, about us page, or by asking their customer support directly. This ensures that you are being treated fairly online and that your money is in safe hands.
Variety of markets to choose from.
A good rugby betting site should offer a wide range of betting markets for both home and international rugby matches and tournaments. Look out for market results, handicap betting, total points, first try scorer, and more. This ensures you have plenty to choose from and lots of choice to try something new.
Competitive odds
Compare the odds offered by different betting sites to find the ones that consistently provide competitive prices for rugby matches. Higher odds will amplify your potential winnings and ensure the money you spend is worthwhile.
Live betting and streaming
Live betting allows you to place bets on matches while they are happening, adding excitement and flexibility to your betting experience. This lets you access the form and atmosphere of the day, which could influence how you bet.
Easy to use
A good betting site should have a clean and simple user interface that makes it easy to navigate and place bets. Look for a site that offers a seamless user experience, clear bet placement processes, and an organised layout.
Payment options
Look for a site that offers a variety of secure and convenient payment options for deposits and withdrawals. The more options for payment options, the better, as this offers people choice. Popular ways to deposit or withdraw in Ireland are usually via debit card, bank transfer, e-wallet, or prepaid card.
Mobile friendly
Consider the bonuses and promotions offered by the betting site, such as welcome bonuses, free bets, or loyalty programmes. These can make your time betting on rugby even more exciting.
Customer support
A good betting site should have responsive and helpful customer support to help you with any issues that may arise. Look for sites that offer many ways to contact them, such as live chat, email, or phone support, and aim to get to you quickly to avoid disturbing your betting time.
Reviews of the Best Rugby Betting Sites
Here are some short reviews of some popular betting sites that offer rugby markets in Ireland. This might be useful for kickstarting your research.
888sport
888sport typically offers a good selection of rugby markets for home and away games. They cover many of the popular rugby events too, including the Six Nations Championships or the Rugby Championship. This means there is more choice and availability on what you wish to bet on. Furthermore, 888Sport offers live streaming of rugby as well as the chance to bet while the event has already begun. Although the availability of their streams varies, it’s good practise to check ahead. Rugby players will also be glad to know 888Sport has a range of promotions and offers available for both new and existing players.
Pros
Cons
Wide rugby coverage Promotions available Good customer support Good rugby odds
Live streaming varies Withdrawing can take time
Bet365
With a wide range of rugby markets and competitive rugby odds, Bet365 is a good choice for betting on rugby in Ireland. Bet365 offers a broad range of live betting options, allowing you to place bets on rugby matches as they are happening. They also provide live streaming for a wide range of sports, including rugby as well as cricket. Another handy feature of Bet365 is that they provide detailed in-play statistics and visualisations for rugby matches, including live score updates, possession percentages, territory stats, and more. These features can assist you in making informed betting decisions during live matches.
Pros
Cons
Live streaming Wide coverage Range of payment options Rugby stats
Certain countries may be restricted. Customer service may take a little time to respond.
Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes is another good rugby betting option, with wide coverage and another site offering strong rugby odds. They are not new to the betting scene and have years of experience, so they know what punters like. They are reputable, licenced, and secure, and they offer timely pay outs so you don’t have to wait ages for your earnings. They do offer live streaming services, but they are selective when it comes to rugby betting. Although Ladbrokes provides in-play betting options, you can bet while the rugby game has begun. They sometimes provide features such as live updates, real-time odds adjustments, and quick bet placement to enhance your in-play betting experience.
Pros
Cons
Wide rugby coverage In-play betting Promotions and bonuses Trusted site
Live streaming of rugby is selective.
William Hill
William Hill is a well-loved site in the betting environment, which includes rugby betting. They have solid coverage of the sport and many popular events. Again, while they do offer live streaming services, these tend to be more selective and will likely be more for big events than smaller ones. William Hill provides various bonuses and promotions, including welcome offers for new customers and ongoing promotions for existing players. They often have specific promotions tailored to rugby betting or general promotions that can be applied to rugby markets. Also, William Hill has a user-friendly website and mobile app that make it easy to navigate and place bets. Their platform is known for its intuitive layout, quick bet placement process, and easy access to various betting markets.
Pros
Cons
Good rugby event coverage Bonuses and promotions User friendly
Less live streams for smaller games Customer service may take a while to respond.
Rugby betting markets
Rugby is a popular sport that attracts a lot of betting interest worldwide. There are various types of rugby betting markets available for punters to wager on, which is what makes it so popular.
Here are some common rugby betting markets:
Match result
This is where you bet on which team you think will win the match. Some bookies will let you wager on the match result of a whole tournament.
Handicap betting
To even out the playing field, some bookies may use a handicap to even the odds. This makes the game more thrilling, even if the outcome is expected.
Total Points
This market involves betting on the total number of points scored in a match, which may be by the team or total points scored altogether.
First Try Scorer or Anytime Try Scorer
You can bet on which player will score the first try in a match or if a player will score a try at any time during the game.
Winning margin
This market enables you to bet on the margin by which a team will win or lose. Bookies will often set you ranges to choose from.
Half-time or full-time
In this market, you can bet on the outcome of the match at both halftime and full time. For example, you can bet on a team to be leading at halftime but ultimately lose the game.
Winning Margin Bands
Similar to the winning margin market, but instead of selecting a specific margin, you can bet on a range or band of margins. For example, you can bet on a team to win by 1–10 points, 12–20 points, or more.
Half-time result
This market allows you to bet on the outcome of the match at halftime only, which does not include the final result. You can bet on which team will be leading or if the match will be a draw at halftime.
First Scoring Play
You can bet on the type of scoring that will happen first in the match. Options typically include a try, a penalty goal, a drop goal, or no score.
Team to score first
This is a wager on which team will score the first points in the match, regardless of the type of scoring play.
Total Tries
Similar to the total points market, this bet involves predicting the total number of tries scored in a match. You can bet on whether the actual number will be over or under the bookmaker’s line.
Player performance
Some bookmakers offer markets that allow you to bet on individual player performances, such as the number of tries scored by a specific player or the number of points they will contribute.
Rugby league betting
In rugby, you will find either rugby league or rugby union. Rugby League is a full-contact sport born in England throughout the 19th century, and it is a bit different from its brother, rugby union. Rugby League has grown in popularity in England, New Zealand, and Australia and has even been considered one of the most popular sports to bet on.
Rugby league features:
Teams and Players: The rugby league is played between two teams of 13 players each. The aim is to score points by moving the ball forward and either touching down on the opposite team’s try line or by kicking the goals themselves.
Gameplay: Rugby league is fast-paced and intense. The team can stop their opponents from scoring using physical contact, such as tackles. The game also involves strategic passing between teams. If a player is tackled more than six times, they must pass the ball on.
Scoring: Points can be scored in numerous ways in rugby league. The main way is by scoring a try, which equals four points. After scoring a try, the team also has the chance to kick a goal, which would give them two points. Additionally, teams can score points through penalty goals and drop goals, which are worth two and one points.
Competitions: Rugby league is played at both home and away events. Various countries have their own professional leagues, including the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia, for example.
Physicality and Contact: Rugby league is known for its physicality, from tackles to passes. Although there are still rules in place to ensure fair and safe play,
How to bet on the Rugby League
Find a sportsbook you like and trust.
Log in or create an account.
Deposit funds
Find the rugby league markets in the rugby section.
Choose your bets.
Wait for them to settle.
Types of rugby betting bonuses
When it comes to betting on rugby in Ireland, you will likely find all the expected bonuses you would for other sports betting. Here are the most common bonuses you will come across:
Welcome bonus
This type of bonus is offered to new customers who sign up with the betting site. It typically comes in the form of a matched deposit bonus or free bets to help welcome the new player and encourage them to deposit or try out the different markets.
Free bets
Free bets are a popular and well-loved betting bonus where the sportsbook will give you a certain amount of bets to spend where you will. While you will likely have to place a deposit, these are risk-free bets where your own money is not being wagered. This can encourage more risky bets to take place with the chance to still win real money.
Enhanced odds
Sportsbooks may offer enhanced odds or price boosts on specific rugby events or matches. This is where the betting site will increase the odds on the selected market to amplify your chances of winning and your earnings at the end of it.
Cashback offers
Cashback bonuses refund a percentage of your losses either at the end of the week or monthly. This can make the impact of the losses significantly less detrimental and can provide some peace of mind.
Reload bonuses
Reload bonuses are offered to existing customers when they make additional deposits. These bonuses are typically smaller than welcome bonuses but usually offer a bonus if you make another deposit.
Loyalty programmes
Some sportsbooks have loyalty programmes where you earn points or rewards based on how much you wager on a certain site. VIPs will often get access to exclusive content or be able to build points up to the late exchange of prizes on in-game credit. This shows the betting sites appreciate their returning customers.
Refer a Friend Offer
This is great for those who want to invite their friends to play on the same site as them. If you refer a friend, this bonus will give you both a bonus after your friend has registered and deposited.
Price boosts
Price boosts, also known as odds boosts, are temporary increases in the odds of specific betting markets. These boosts increase your potential winnings if you are successful and ensure you get the best value for your money.
Acca boosts
This will be an offer tailored to those who like placing multiple bets. This will often boost how much you earn if your accumulator bet is successful.
Mobile-exclusive bonuses
To encourage mobile betting, some sportsbooks offer exclusive bonuses for customers who place bets through their mobile apps or mobile-tailored websites. These bonuses can include free bets, enhanced odds, or cashback offers and are a great way to reward those playing on a smaller screen.
Strategies for betting on rugby
Looking to improve the way you approach rugby betting? Here are some tips useful for both experts and beginners alike.
Research the team.
Before placing your bets, take the time to research the teams and players involved in the match. Consider factors such as team form, recent performances, player injuries, and head-to-head records. This information can provide valuable insights and help you make more informed betting decisions.
Understand the markets
Familiarise yourself with the various betting markets available for rugby, such as match result, handicap betting, total points, and first try scorer. Each market has its own skills and odds, so understanding how they work will allow you to choose the most suitable bets that you feel most comfortable with.
Home vs. away
Consider the home and away form of the teams involved. Some teams perform better at home, while others may struggle when playing away. This is great to see how the team could perform on the day.
Follow team news.
Stay updated on team news and updates, including injuries, suspensions, and line-up changes. These factors can have a significant impact on a team’s performance and may impact the match’s outcome.
Motivation
Consider the motivation levels of teams and the importance of the tournament or competition they are taking part in. Teams with high stakes or fighting for playoff spots may play better than those who don’t.
Don’t forget the weather.
Rugby is often played in any weather condition, which can affect the style of play and how hard it is to score. This is especially important if the weather is bad—rain, wind, or extreme temperatures—as these may influence how the team approaches the game.
Past stats
Review past statistics and trends for teams and players to predict how they may play. Look for patterns from previous matches, such as scoring tactics, head-to-head records, or performances against certain opponents. These insights can provide valuable context for your betting decisions.
Find the best odds.
As with any type of betting, ensuring you find the best odds means you get the best value for your money. Even slight variations in odds can make a significant difference in your potential winnings, so it’s worth taking the time to find the highest odds for your bets.
FAQ on Rugby betting sites
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers when it comes to betting on rugby in Ireland.
Can I bet on international rugby matches online?
Yes, international rugby matches are popular for betting. Major tournaments like the Six Nations Championship, the Rugby Championship, and the Rugby World Cup attract significant betting interest amongst the bookies. Just make sure to check if the betting site covers these.
What is the difference between rugby league and rugby union betting?
Rugby league and rugby union are two different forms of rugby with different rules and structures. While both are popular for betting, there are some differences to consider. Rugby league typically has straightforward rules and faster gameplay, while rugby union is known for being more complex and tactical. Consequently, the markets may differ between them; nevertheless, it is important to know which one you are betting on and take time to understand the rules.
Can I bet on lower-tier or less popular rugby leagues in Ireland?
Many sportsbooks offer betting markets for lower-tier or less popular rugby leagues, although the coverage may be more limited compared to major tournaments.
How do odds work in rugby betting online?
Odds represent the likelihood of the chosen outcome in a rugby match. They are typically presented in decimal or fractional formats. Decimal odds show the total potential return, while fractional odds show the potential profit relative to the stake. However, if you are struggling to understand them, there are lots of online resources to help you.
Can I bet on individual player performances in rugby online?
Yes, many sportsbooks offer betting markets for individual player performances in rugby. These could include the number of tries, conversions, tackles, metres gained, and other player-related statistics.